Threats Tagged 'kernel driver'

GodDamn ransomware represents the third iteration of ransomware developed by Hyadina, following Monster (2022) and Beast (2024). A recent attack in June 2026 demonstrates sophisticated tactics including AnyDesk for remote access, NirSoft-based credential harvesting tools, and the PoisonX kernel driver for defense evasion. PoisonX is a malicious driver signed by Microsoft that terminates security processes at the kernel level. Attackers used PsExec for lateral movement, deployed comprehensive credential theft toolkits comprising 14 different tools, and disabled endpoint defenses before encrypting files. The encrypted files were renamed with victim organization names as extensions. The four-day dwell period allowed attackers to stage payloads and conduct reconnaissance before triggering encryption across at least 10 hosts within the targeted organization.

A large-scale malvertising campaign targeting U.S.tax form searchers has been uncovered. The attack chain begins with Google Ads, using dual commercial cloaking services to evade detection. Victims are directed to rogue ScreenConnect installers, leading to a multi-stage crypter that ultimately deploys a BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver) tool. This tool, named HwAudKiller, exploits a previously undocumented Huawei audio driver to terminate antivirus and EDR processes from kernel mode. The campaign's sophistication lies in its use of commodity tools and services, combining free-tier ScreenConnect instances, off-the-shelf crypters, and a signed driver with an exploitable weakness. The attackers consistently deploy multiple remote access tools on compromised hosts for redundancy, indicating a likely pre-ransomware or initial access broker operation.

MediumMalwareUnited StatesCanadaUnited Kingdom+5#screenconnect#cloaking#malvertising

In early February 2026, an intrusion was detected where threat actors exploited compromised SonicWall SSLVPN credentials for initial network access. The attackers deployed an EDR killer utilizing a legitimate but revoked EnCase forensic driver to terminate security processes from kernel mode. This technique, known as Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver (BYOVD), bypasses Windows Driver Signature Enforcement. The attack was halted before ransomware deployment, but it highlights the growing trend of weaponizing signed, legitimate drivers to disable endpoint security. The intrusion involved aggressive network reconnaissance, deployment of a sophisticated EDR killer with an encoded kernel driver payload, and attempts to establish persistence. The case underscores the importance of multi-factor authentication, VPN log monitoring, and implementing Microsoft's recommended driver block rules.

MediumMalwareGermanyUnited KingdomFrance+5#sonicwall#driver signature enforcement#byovd